WO2008092025A2

WO2008092025A2 - Wired sharing device

Info

Publication number: WO2008092025A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/051943
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Glissman
Original assignee: Aerielle Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-01-24
Filing date: 2008-01-24
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: WO2008092025A3

Abstract

A system allowing multiple users to independently and separately utilize the output of a single portable media player such an iPod®. The system allows each user to listen to a portable media player and a separately chosen volume from other users. A power source may be included in the system to provide power to the portable media player without the need to disconnect the system from the portable media player, and thus reduce the power drain on its battery. However, the system itself does not require a separate power source. The system may be expanded to include an FM transmitter that allows both simultaneous separate user listening and transmission of the portable media player output over an automobile radio.

Description

WIRED SHARING DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to portable media players, and more particularly to digital audio recording and playback devices, and still more particularly to an electronics accessory that connects to a portable media player docking connector and includes circuitry to create two or more audio paths with volume control.

Background Art

[0002] With more than 100 million iPod® portable media players presently sold, and many other models on the market as well, the demand for accessories is keen. While 2-way and 3- way splitters for the 3.5mm audio port found on the iPod® and other portable media players have been available for some time, they are either active devices which require power for an audio amplifier or are limited in output level when driving multiple sets of headphones. There is another audio output port, probably more suitable for this task available on the iPod® docking connector, as well as on many other portable media players. (iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc., Cupertino, California). However, it is typically a fixed- volume, high-level output port adapted to interfacing the iPod® and other portable media players with other equipment. The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventor is aware. Reference to, and discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging Applicant's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein.

Attorney Docket No 00747 P35PCT International Filing Date 24/01/2008 (24 January 2008)

International Patent Application (PCT) International Priority Date 24/01/2007 (24 January 2007)

For Wired Sharing Device ^{EFS Flled} in the U S Receiving Office [0003] Reference to, and discussion of, the prior art devices is intended to aid in discharging Applicant's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated devices disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious the invention described and claimed herein.

Disclosure of Invention

[0004] The present invention is a very small passive device that mates with the docking connector of the iPod® and other portable media players. Through a suitable passive network, the present invention then splits the single audio path produced by the docking connector into two, three, or more audio paths with a control for volume on each, and makes these audio paths available on two or more 2.5mm or 3.5mm multiconductor audio jacks incorporated in the unit. This allows sharing the device output, produced by the portable media player, among multiple sets of headphones. Each audio path is separately and correctly conditioned to maintain the correct source impedance and fidelity. This is possible due to the high audio output level on this port, along with its very low source impedance. In operation, is desirable that either changing audio levels or removing one headphone set docs not affect the audio level for other users. Due to the high output level, series load balancing resistors can be added to provide this port-to-port isolation, while still delivering adequate signal level to the headphones.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method and system of sharing portable media player device output such as audio output among multiple headphones and other devices with out requiring a power source as currently is the case in similar extant systems.

[0006] A further object or feature of an embodiment of the present invention is a new and improved method and system for a plurality of listeners to listen to the same portable media player device while providing each listener with independent volume control. Each headphone connector jack of the plurality of independent headphone connector jacks in the

For Wired Sharing Device ^{EFS Flled} in the U S Receiving Office network is independent of the standard output jack of the portable media player. [0007] As used in herein, the term portable media player (PMP) includes any consumer electronics device that is capable of storing and playing digital media, examples of which include, portable audio players (PAP), portable video players (PVP), MP3 players, digital audio players, cellular telephones and Apple iPods®. Furthermore, the term dock connector describes the female jack or other interface feature of a portable media player capable of mating with an output device.

[0008] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes only the preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode now contemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention.

[0011] Drawing Reference Numerals: FIG. 1

[0012] 100 portable media player

[0013] 110 docking connector

[0014] 120 volume control unit

[0015] 130 volume control unit

[0016] 140 volume control unit

[0017] 150 fixed level to FM transmitter

For Wired Sharing Device ^{EFS Flled} in the U S Receiving Office [0018] 160 DC conditioning circuitry system [0019] 170 12 volt cigarette lighter plug

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated therein a system implementing the preferred embodiment of the invention. The system interfaces with the fixed- volume, high-level port of the docking connector 110 of a portable media player 100, such as an iPod®, via a standard active mating mechanism (rotating coupling nut, spring lock, plug, etc.) device commonly used in the art. The circuit of the system then splits into two, three or more paths, each path leading to a volume control unit 120 and 140. The circuit elements maybe of any commonly- used circuit material utilized by one skilled in the art to build similar types of media circuits. The volume control may be one of many commonly used devices in the art, including ohmic resistors, and various embodiments of the invention will allow for variation. However, the volume control 120 for the media jacks 130 should allow for variable control of the volume by the individual user each particular path. The paths that include a variable volume control then lead to a media jack 130 with a passive mating mechanism (bayonet studs, grooves for spring locks, external threads, etc.). An audio or other media device, such as a headphone set in this particular embodiment of the invention, is then connected to each media jack 130. The volume control unit of the fixed level FM transmitter 150 maintains output at a constant and fixed level.

[0021] FIG 1. further illustrates an embodiment of the invention which includes a variation on the above-described device and adds a DC conditioning circuitry system 160, to a 12 Volt cigarette lighter plug 170, to allow charging of the iPod®, or other portable media player 100, in an automobile without the necessity of a separate charging adaptor and without the need to disconnect the invention's system from the iPod®, or portable media player 100. [0022] The invention having been described in detail in accordance with requirements of the Patent Statutes, various other changes and modifications will suggest themselves to those skilled in this art. It is intended that these uses and other changes and modifications readily

For Wired Sharing Device ^{EFS Flled} in the U S Receiving Office learned, appreciated, or obvious to those skilled in the relevant art shall fall within the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0023] The foregoing disclosure is sufficient to enable those with skill in the relevant art to practice the invention without undue experimentation. The disclosure further provides the best mode of practicing the invention now contemplated by the inventor. [0024] While the particular apparatus and method herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages stated herein, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the detail of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

For Wired Sharing Device ^{EFS Flled} in the U S Receiving Office

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed as invention is:

1. A system for sharing the output of a portable media player among a plurality of external audio or other media devices, comprising: an interface element that mates with a fixed- volume, high-level port of a dock connector of said portable media player and transmits the output of said portable media player; a plurality of device output paths separately splitting out from said interface element and continuing the transmission of said output of said portable media player; a volume control element connected to each device output path for controlling the volume of each separate output path; and a media output element connected to said volume control element for mating with said external audio or other media devices.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said system further includes a FM transmitter connected to a separate output path for transmitting said portable media player's output to a radio.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said system further includes a FM transmitter connected to a separate output path for transmitting said portable media player's output to a radio.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein said system further includes a DC circuitry conditioning system capable of connecting to an extrinsic power source in order to provide electrical charge to said portable media player.

For Wired Sharing Device ^{EFS Flled} in the U S Receiving Office

5. The system according to claim 1, in which said volume control elements are variable.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein said system further includes a FM transmitter connected to a separate output path for transmitting said portable media player's output to a radio.

7. The system according to claim 4, wherein said system further includes a DC circuitry conditioning system capable of connecting to an extrinsic power source in order to provide electrical charge to said portable media player.

8. The system according to claim 1, in which said volume control elements are constant.

9. The system according to claim 1, in which said system further includes a FM transmitter connected to a separate output path for transmitting said portable media player's output to a radio.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein said system further includes a DC circuitry conditioning system capable of connecting to an extrinsic power source in order to provide electrical charge to said portable media player.

11. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said system further includes a DC circuitry conditioning system capable of connecting to an extrinsic power source in order to provide electrical charge to said portable media player.

12. The system according to claim 11, in which said system further in includes an audio device which is a headphone set or a plurality of headphone sets.

For Wired Sharing Device ^{EFS Flled} in the U S Receiving Office